The Adventures of Hayden and Shelby, 'Welfare Cats

“Hi! I’m Blackie. I’m a garage cat,” said the sleek, raven-haired cat with pale green eyes. Blackie’s full name was, Blackie Brown, because he appeared to be all black, but, actually, he was red brown. In sunlight you could see the auburn tints of his undercoat. He was striking!

“You are probably wondering,” he went on, “what is a garage cat? Well, my friends and I live in Mom and Dad’s garage. We are all cats. So, we are garage cats.” Blackie sat back on his haunches and curled his tail around his body. “It’s something of a long story. Mom and Dad are always telling us that there are so many cats in the world who need homes. They feel very sad about that, so they got the idea of turning their garage into a mini cat shelter for those cats that have no one to love them.”

“I know what you’re thinking. . . a garage? That’s no home!” Blackie postulated. “Not true. This is no ordinary garage. Mom and Dad fixed it up so that it’s just like any other room in the house. And it’s easier for them to keep just one room neat and clean for us, rather than the whole house. I have to agree, it is! We aren’t the tidiest group.” Blackie admitted, taking a moment to lick his chest and shoulders and adjust his coat.

“Our garage is big! It’s heated and has air-conditioning. It has rugs, sofas, and chairs. It has a dining table, even a refrigerator, television and radio. And it has windows and a great big screen door that Dad puts down when the weather is nice. It’s awesome!”

“Yeah, it’s a lot of work and responsibility having such a large family, especially, for Mom and Dad. But it’s a lot of fun too! One thing is for sure, you are never lonely! Yes, it’s a pretty good gig being a garage cat, the way Mom and Dad do it. Mom’s the cat’s meow! And Dad’s one cool cat.” Blackie let out a whooping yowl. “But my friends and I will tell you more about it, how it all began, as you read our story. . . .”